The frozen heart

Chapter 12: Fragments of a Promise

Chapter 12: Fragments of a Promise

It was a strange friendship, born out of the most unlikely circumstances. Anne didn't know why, but she felt an overwhelming urge to protect him, to make sure he was okay. Maybe it was because she knew what his future held—or maybe it was just because he reminded her of someone who needed saving, just like she did.

As the days went on, Anne became more determined to change Kaiden's future. She watched him from afar, occasionally catching a glimpse of his white hair or those icy eyes peeking out from behind corners or shadows. He still wasn't comfortable being around her or anyone else, but he didn't run away as much anymore. And every time she managed to bring him food, he'd hesitantly accept, as if he was slowly beginning to trust that she meant him no harm.

One afternoon, after delivering another small plate of bread and cheese to his hiding spot, Anne sat down on a fallen log nearby, glancing up at the sky. The sunlight filtering through the trees made the world feel almost peaceful—except for the gnawing anxiety in her chest. She wasn't sure if her efforts were working. Kaiden was still distant, still closed off.

"I don't think you're cursed," Anne continued, her tone gentle but firm. "I think you've been treated unfairly. And I know what it's like to feel like you don't belong. So... I guess I care because I know how much it sucks."

Kaiden's expression softened, just for a moment, and Anne's heart skipped a beat. This was progress. Small, but it was there.

After a pause, Kaiden looked down at his feet, his voice barely above a whisper. "They say I'm a monster."

"You're not a monster," Anne said, her voice steady, even though her heart was racing. "You're just a kid who's been through a lot. But you don't have to become what they say. You can be whoever you want to be."

Kaiden looked up at her again, this time with a flicker of something different in his eyes—something like hope. It was brief, but it was there, and Anne latched onto it.

"You gave me a name," Kaiden muttered, as if he still couldn't quite believe it. "No one's ever done that."

Anne smiled warmly. "Everyone deserves a name. And I thought Kaiden suited you."

He didn't respond right away, but the tension in his posture seemed to ease, if only slightly. He looked down at the food she'd brought him, then back at her. "Thank you."

"You're welcome," Anne said softly, her heart swelling with a mix of relief and hope.

For the first time since arriving in this world, Anne felt like she wasn't just reacting to the story's events—she was shaping them. And with every small step she took, she inched closer to changing Kaiden's fate.

As she rose to leave, she gave him a gentle nod. "I'll see you tomorrow, okay?"

Kaiden didn't say anything, but he didn't leave either. Instead, he watched her go, his gaze following her as she walked back toward the castle.

Anne's mind buzzed with excitement. She had cracked the door open with Kaiden, and now she had to keep pushing it further. There was no turning back now. She was in this world for a reason, and she was going to rewrite the ending.

As she neared the castle gates, she found herself grinning. Take that, you dumb author. You didn't think anyone could change your tragic villain? Watch me.

Anne sat beside Kaiden, the warmth of the kitchen fire casting long shadows across the walls. The gentle crackle of the flames was the only sound between them, aside from the occasional scrape of the spoon as Kaiden ate the stew she had snuck him. His frail figure, still gaunt despite the food she had been bringing him for days, seemed smaller in the firelight, but his piercing icy eyes were as sharp as ever.